Ted Mangum's Radio Flyer Wagon lines up with about 300 artful vehicles of all shapes and sizes down Allen Parkway during the 26th annual Houston Art Car Parade May 11, 2013, in Houston.
The parade, produced by the Orange Show is the largest art car parade in the world.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

Ted Mangum's Radio Flyer Wagon lines up with about 300 artful...

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Marlene Iacouiello had her hair adjusted by Anya Keez before the start of the 26th annual Houston Art Car Parade May 11, 2013, in Houston.
The parade, produced by the Orange Show is the largest art car parade in the world.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

Marlene Iacouiello had her hair adjusted by Anya Keez before the...

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Jana Jordan, right, and Marlene Iacouiello, primp before the start of the 26th annual Houston Art Car Parade May 11, 2013, in Houston.
The parade, produced by the Orange Show is the largest art car parade in the world.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

Jana Jordan, right, and Marlene Iacouiello, primp before the start...

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Mary Jane LaVigne walks down Allen Parkway before the start of the 26th annual Houston Art Car Parade May 11, 2013, in Houston. The parade, produced by the Orange Show is the largest art car parade in the world.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

Mary Jane LaVigne walks down Allen Parkway before the start of the...

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Shelley Buschur, aka the Salad Lady, walks down Allen Parkway before the start of the 26th annual Houston Art Car Parade May 11, 2013, in Houston.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

Shelley Buschur, aka the Salad Lady, walks down Allen Parkway...

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Sam Vanbibber before the start of the 26th annual Houston Art Car Parade May 11, 2013, in Houston.

About 300 artful vehicles of all shapes and sizes made their way down Allen Parkway during the 26th annual Houston Art Car Parade May 11, 2013, in Houston.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

About 300 artful vehicles of all shapes and sizes made their way...

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The Houston Art Car Parade began in 1984 with a donated station wagon and $800 for some paint and plastic fruit. Now it draws hundreds of entries from 23 states, Canada, Mexico and - a first for this year - Wales. Jana Jordan, right, rides Allen Parkway in comfort Saturday while Beans Barton's "Cataillac," below, pays homage to Elvis.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Staff

The Houston Art Car Parade began in 1984 with a donated station...

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Beans Barton's Cataillic leads a group of more than 300 artful vehicles of all shapes and sizes down Allen Parkway during the 26th annual Houston Art Car Parade May 11, 2013, in Houston.
The parade, produced by the Orange Show is the largest art car parade in the world.
( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Staff

Beans Barton's Cataillic leads a group of more than 300 artful...

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Scenes from the Art Car Parade on Saturday.

Photo: Johnny Hanson/Chronicle

Scenes from the Art Car Parade on Saturday.

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Beans Barton's Cataillic leads a group of about 300 artful vehicles of all shapes and sizes down Allen Parkway during the 26th annual Houston Art Car Parade May 11, 2013, in Houston.
The parade, produced by the Orange Show is the largest art car parade in the world.
( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Staff

Beans Barton's Cataillic leads a group of about 300 artful vehicles...

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Kirk Strawn and friend's art car titled Big Red is parked as about 300 artful vehicles of all shapes and sizes lined up down Allen Parkway before the 26th annual Houston Art Car Parade May 11, 2013, in Houston.
The parade, produced by the Orange Show is the largest art car parade in the world.
( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Staff

Kirk Strawn and friend's art car titled Big Red is parked as about...

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POPART by Cherie Smith & Sharon Neyland won one of four first place prizes and $1500 at the 2013 Art Car Parade.

Photo: Larry Harris

POPART by Cherie Smith & Sharon Neyland won one of four first...

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Tired and Feathered by Joe Haden won one of four first place prizes and $1500 at the 2013 Art Car Parade.

Photo: Mike Herrera

Tired and Feathered by Joe Haden won one of four first place prizes...

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Third-grade students at Wilchester Elementary School are eager for crowds to see their car at Houston's Art Car Parade. With teacher Stephanie Walton at the wheel, students Eliana Murphey and Sarah White, front seat, and Paige Dial, Ava Johnson, Lauren Boem, Claire Shea-han, Lana Colburn and Meredith Piercy are ready for a ride.

Photo: Tom Behrens

Third-grade students at Wilchester Elementary School are eager for...

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Big Red by Kirk Strawn and friends won the Mayor's Cup at the 2013 Art Car Parade.

Photo: Mike Herrera

Big Red by Kirk Strawn and friends won the Mayor's Cup at the 2013...

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Big Red by Kirk Strawn and friends won the Mayor's Cup at the 2013 Art Car Parade.

Photo: Mike Herrera

Big Red by Kirk Strawn and friends won the Mayor's Cup at the 2013...

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Big Red by Kirk Strawn and friends won the Mayor's Cup at the 2013 Art Car Parade.

You will have plenty of opportunities to see these moving masterpieces and their artistic owners. Here's what on tap:

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday: The Main Street Drag deploys eight Art Car caravans across the city to visit schools, hospitals and community centers filled with people who might not otherwise be able to view the cars. Find a list of stops at thehoustonartcarparade.com.

6:30-9 p.m. Thursday: Sneak Peek at Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney, is a family-friendly festival with live music, children's activities and, of course, dozens of Art Cars that can be viewed up close.

6-11 p.m. Friday: The Art Car Ball will be held in the lobbies and courtyards of One and Two Allen Center, 1200 Smith. No black-tie at this ball: Outrageous costumes are encouraged. This party is a zany good time, with live music and hands-on art activities. Tickets are $30 at the door.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday: The 27th annual Art Car Parade, which draws more than 300,000 spectators each year, will roll down Allen Parkway. The parade runs from Waugh to Bagby and is free for spectators. Shaded grandstand seating is available for $25 ($15 for children).